Martin County approves YoungWilliams contract for child support collection, selects Williamston office option

The Martin County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Oct. 10 to pursue contract child support enforcement services with YoungWilliams and to accept Option #1, which would establish a YoungWilliams office in Williamston.

County Manager David Bone summarized two proposals submitted Sept. 27: Option #1, $540,000, which would establish a Williamston office and allow YoungWilliams to hire the county’s current child support staff locally; and Option #2, $480,000, a regional consolidation with the Beaufort office that would require staff to travel. The DSS Board recommended Option #1, while the county manager noted Option #2 presented greater near-term savings.

Bone said YoungWilliams’ proposals were based on seven funded positions; YoungWilliams guaranteed hiring seven employees. DSS Director Letecia Loadholt explained current staffing included five employees covering seven funded positions and described transition procedures for employees. Commissioner concerns focused on employee fairness and whether privatization could be reversed later.

Vice Chairman Tommy Bowen moved to proceed with a contract with YoungWilliams; Commissioner Joe R. Ayers seconded the motion and the board approved it unanimously. Bowen then moved and Commissioner Ronnie Smith seconded approval of Option #1 (establish a Williamston office); that motion also passed unanimously. The board directed staff to coordinate the 90-day transition and any necessary interim staffing adjustments.

County Manager Bone said contracting would initially increase gross program cost compared with current county-run costs but would provide specialized vendor expertise and an option for current staff to be hired by YoungWilliams under existing salary arrangements. He and the DSS director said further personnel matters, including any RIF procedures or reassignments, would be handled as the transition proceeds.